Gestational diabetes is associated with alteration on pelvic floor muscle activation pattern during pregnancy and postpartum: Prospective cohort using electromyography assessment

Author(s)

Prudencio, Caroline Baldini ; Nunes, Sthefanie Kenickel ; Pinheiro, Fabiane Affonso ; Sartorao Filho, Carlos Izaias ; Nava, Guilherme Thomaz de Aquino ; Salomoni, Sauro Emerick ; Pedroni, Cristiane Rodrigues ; Rudge, Marilza Vieira Cunha ; Barbosa, Angelica Mercia Pascon ; Diamater Study Grp

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY; v. 13, p. 14-pg., 2022-10-06.

Abstract

Background and objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a comorbidity which may cause acute and lifelong disorders to mother and child. Alterations in muscular and connective tissues have been associated with GDM in translation studies, characterizing gestational diabetic myopathy. Pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence and sexual disabilities, disorders that depend on the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) integrity, are also associated with GDM both during and after pregnancy. The aim was to compare PFM activation patterns between GDM and non-GDM women from 24-30 gestational weeks to 18-24 months postpartum during a standard clinical test during gestation and postpartum. Methods: We conducted a prospective three-time-point cohort study from gestation (24-30 weeks-T1, and 36-38 weeks-T2) to 18-24 months postpartum (T3). PFM electromyography was recorded in primigravida or primiparous women with one previous elective c-section with or without the diagnosis of GDM according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. A careful explanation of the muscle anatomy and functionality of the PFM was given to participants before EMG assessment. The outcome measures were PFM activation patterns assessed during pregnancy and postpartum, comparing intra and between groups. PFM activation patterns were assessed by normalized electromyography signal at rest and during 1-second (sec) phasic, 10-sec hold, and 60-sec sustained contractions. Results: Demographic and obstetric data showed homogeneity between groups. The GDM group achieved peak PFM EMG amplitudes similarly to the non-GDM group, but they took longer to return to baseline levels during the similar to 1-sec contraction (flicks). During 10-sec hold contractions, the GDM group sustained lower levels of PFM activation than the non-GDM group at both 36-38 weeks of gestation and 18-24 months postpartum when compared to the non-GDM group. Conclusion: The results suggest that GDM impaired PFM control mainly on 1-sec flicks and 10-sec hold contraction, which appears to develop during late pregnancy and extends long-term postpartum. This motor behavior may play a role on pelvic floor dysfunctions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/10665-6 - Effectiveness of the pelvic floor muscle training in aquatic ambient on pelvic floor muscle function and pregnancy specific urinary incontinence in pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a feasibility study to randomized controlled trial
• Grantee: Caroline Baldini Prudencio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/01743-5 - The new gestational triad: hyperglycemia, urinary incontinence (UI) and biomolecular profile as a long-term predictor for UI: a prospective cohort study: translational research with biodevice with stem cells for muscle regeneration in diabetic rats
• Grantee: Marilza Vieira Cunha Rudge
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants